WHTIDraftSOW.doc

S-AQMPD-06-R-1140

US Department of State

Passport Card Stock and Printer Supply Procurement

Request for Information

1.1 CLINS (Draft)

CLIN

CLIN

CLIN

CLIN

CLIN

CLIN

CLIN

CLIN

CLIN

CLIN

CLIN

CLIN

CLIN

Quantity

CLIN

Quantity

CLIN

Quantity

CLIN

Quantity

CLIN

Quantity

CLIN

Quantity

CLIN

Quantity

CLIN

Quantity

CLIN

Quantity

CLIN

Quantity

CLIN

Quantity

CLIN

Quantity

CLIN

Estimated

Quantity

CLIN

Quantity

CLIN

Quantity

CLIN

Quantity

CLIN

Quantity

CLIN

Quantity

CLIN

Quantity

CLIN

Quantity

CLIN

Quantity

CLIN

Quantity

CLIN

Quantity

CLIN

Quantity

CLIN

Quantity

CLIN

Quantity

2 Section C. Descriptions and Specifications

2.1 Introduction

The Department of State, Bureau of Consular Affairs (DoS/CA), in cooperation the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), plans to develop and implement a U.S. card-format passport, a credit-card-size travel document. The Passport Card will be an accepted alternative to the traditional book-style passport for presentation at U.S. land border crossings by January 1, 2008. The Passport Card is intended to be functional in the DHS People Access Security Service (PASS) system, an integrated, automated border-crossing identification system including programs such as NEXUS, Secure Electronic Network for Travelers’ Rapid Inspection (SENTRI), and Free and Secure Trade Program (FAST).

The origin of this program is Section 7209 of the Intelligence Reform and Terrorism Prevention Act of 2004 (IRTPA) that requires passports or other secure documents denoting citizenship and identity to be used to enhance border security within the Western Hemisphere. The Act, now law, requires the Secretary of Homeland Security, in consultation with the Secretary of State, to develop and implement a plan by January 1, 2008 to require all travelers, U.S. citizens and non-U.S. citizens alike, to present "a passport or other document, or combination of documents, deemed by the Secretary of Homeland Security to be sufficient to denote identity and citizenship” when entering the United States. The Act also requires that DHS and DoS expedite travel for frequent travelers, including those who reside in border communities. The Passport Card is specifically designed to facilitate the travel of those who reside in border communities.

A description of the anticipated DoS Passport Card production process is in Section J, Attachment A.

A DHS description of the anticipated use of the Passport Card at U.S. land border crossings is in Section J, Attachment B.

2.2 Scope

It is the intent of DoS to conduct a fixed price procurement(s). To successfully meet the mandate and timeline of the above Act, DoS will procure:

· Tamper-resistant/counterfeit-resistant Passport Card stock with a radio frequency identification (RFID) capability, using an ISO 18000 6C2 compliant embedded integrated contactless circuit (ICC)

· Card personalization printers to be installed at a central print facility and selected passport issuing agencies/centers

· Printers must be compatible with and operate within the current Passport personalization environment (See Section J, Attachment A)

· Consumables to be used by the recommended printer(s) necessary to personalize Passport Cards within the DoS production environments

· Passport Card Readers with RFID capability to be recommended as part of the card personalization and quality assurance process within the DoS environment

· A privacy protection feature as per Section 3.4.2 of this document

· Services necessary to support the card product, including SDK, operating system, and security features

· Maintenance and training services necessary to support the printer and reader product. This will include operational support of both Preventative Maintenance (PM) and Remedial Maintenance (RM) for equipment listed

2.3 DoS Acquisition Strategy

The major elements of the DoS notional acquisition strategy are:

· Issue an RFI (Request For Information) for industry comment

· RFI Conference – November 17, 2006

· Require industry written comments on RFI 10 business days after the RFI conference

· Issue RFP after DoS responses to comments are released

· Require proposals 20 business days after RFP issuance

· Evaluate proposals and down-select among Offerors

· Selected Offeror’s demonstration of products

· Testing/evaluation of products

· Award(s)

2.4 Requirements

2.4.1 Passport Card Description

The Passport Card shall be compatible with ISO 7810 ID-1 specifications and compliant with ICAO 9303 Part 3 Volume 1 Section IV recommendations for TD-1 Documents of Identity.

It will display information similar to that of the data page of the current U.S. Passport booklet:

· On the Passport Card front: citizen facial image and biographic information

· On the Passport Card back: an ICAO 9303-compliant MRZ and passport text for ID-1 type travel cards

See Section J, Attachment C for further detail.

The Passport Card shall have further machine-readable capability with an embedded Radio Frequency (RF)-capable integrated contactless circuit (ICC) and antenna. The ICC shall store only a manufacturer-encoded identifier that shall be unique to the specific card. The schema for the unique identifier is described in Section J, Attachment C.

The Passport Card must serve as a tamper-resistant and physically secure and durable travel document that will permit border inspectors to read the unique number on the ICC on-board the Passport Card in order to access data from a Passport Card data base, read the personalized data on the back of the Passport Card using ICAO 9303-compliant passport readers, and to confidently inspect the card on its face value when access to DHS automated systems is not available.

2.4.1.1 Card Stock Physical Specifications

Operationally:

· The Passport Card shall be physically durable to remain visually and operationally functional for the expected validity period of ten years.

· DoS will provide the Offeror with Passport Card artwork that shall serve as the pre-printed background security pattern for integration into the Passport Card by the Offeror.

· Printing technologies for card stock are limited to printing techniques that meet artwork, security feature, durability, RF functionality and other requirements herein, such as:

· Offset lithography using micro-line structures

· Use of line screens instead of dot screens

· Laser engraving

· Thermal sublimation

2.4.1.2 Card Stock Mandatory Requirements

Card body material shall:

a. Be nontoxic (presents no toxic hazard in the course of personalization and normal use)

b. Be compatible with integrated contactless circuitry components that enable each card to function as a passive RF responder as described in Section 3.4.1.5.

c. Be compatible with personalization printers that meet the requirements of Section 3.4.3.

d. Be polycarbonate or alternate substrate for which the Offeror must provide sufficient evidence that alternate will not degrade performance compared to polycarbonate to any other standard herein.

e. Meet ISO/IEC 7810:2003(E) standards for:

i. Resistance to:

1. Deformation due to bending per ISO 7810 section 8.1

2. Warpage per ISO 7810 sections 8.5 & 8.11

3. Heat per ISO 7810 section 8.12

ii. RF functional after:

1. Exposure to non-ambient temperature or humidity per ISO 7810 section 8.5

2. Exposure to chemicals per ISO 7810 section 8.4 (with additional exposure as described in 3.4.1.2.j)

3. Exposure to ultraviolet (UV) light per ISO 7816-1 section 2.1

4. Exposure to X-rays per ISO 7816-1 section 2.1

iii. Minimum opacity per ISO 7810 section 8.10

iv. Lack of blocking when stacked per ISO 7810 section 8.9

v. If multiple layer construction, minimum peel strength per ISO 7810 section 8.8

vi. Not contaminating card processing or interface devices in the course of normal use per ISO 7810 section 8.14

vii. Surface distortion per ISO 7810 section 8.13

f. Be manufactured to show the artwork as in Section J, Attachment C with color to match provided Pantone designations to be provided after comment period

g. Be manufactured to include these security features, in Section J, Attachment C, using

i. Tactile element, without using embossing, such as effect produced by laser engraved dots or multiple laser imaging, suggested element face torch or blank text if no other feature is used on the back

ii. Optically variable element using color shifting ink. Suggests such elements be printed on the upper left of the card stock face artwork, though other locations, on the front side of the card, are also acceptable.

iii. Invisible element using one or two materials furnished by DoS that functions with testing device provided by or specified by DoS. This feature, if found acceptable, may require Offerors to provide rights to Government for exclusive use in perpetuity, obtain security clearance for personnel needing to know its use, and sign nondisclosure agreements about its use

h. Offer may also include one or more of the following security features per card, each feature using a unique element in Section J, Attachment C

i. Transmitted light element, equivalent to thread or watermark

ii. Micro printed or fine line designed graphic element(s)

iii. Optically Variable Device (OVD) equivalent to hologram

1. Artwork for foil with OVD artwork will be provided if Offeror elects to include this feature

iv. A feature responsive to light whose intensity peaks at 355 nanometers

i. If card construction is multiple layers, it shall not separate or peel after testing per ISO 7810 section 8.8

j. Cleaning: Cards shall not malfunction, separate or peel after hand cleaning with a mild soap and water. The reagents called out in section 5.4.1.1 of ISO/IEC 10373-1 shall be modified to include a 2% soap solution. A card shall be deemed acceptable if it meets these cleaning requirements.

k. Concentrated sunlight: The Passport Card and its pre-printed background artwork pattern, its security features, and its personalized data added to the Card by DoS, shall resist fading, cracking, chipping, warping and other negative effects brought about by sunlight during the validity of the Card. The card shall be subjected to actual, concentrated or artificial sunlight to appropriately reflect 2000 hours of Southwestern United States sunlight exposure in accordance with (IAW) ISO/IEC 10373-1, Section 5.11. Concentrated sunlight exposure will be performed IAW ASTM G90-98, and accelerated exposure IAW ASTM G155-00. Alternatively, the card may be subjected to the ANSI INCITS 322 tests for UV and daylight fading resistance. After exposure, the card must be subjected to the ISO 10373-1 dynamic bending test and shall have no visible cracks or failures. The ICC shall not malfunction after the dynamic bending evaluation.

l. The Government understands that application of heat during the printing processes may result in very small amounts of card shrinkage. The dimensions of blank cards provided to the Government shall be ISO compliant prior to personalization. Following personalization, the card height shall remain no less than 85.27 mm and the card width shall remain no less than 53.75 mm while continuing to meet the other appropriate ISO requirements. Personalized cards shall continue to remain interoperable with various commercial card readers and equipment.

m. Peel Strength: Due to the tamper-resistant features of some embedded OVDs, the Government accepts that the minimum peel strength requirement in ISO 7810 may not be met for the OVD patch in the layer of the cardstock that contains it. The minimum peel strength requirement will be addressed on a case-by-case basis. However, the remainder of the cardstock layer with the OVD and the remainder of the card body shall meet all requirements of ISO 7810.

Although decals shall not be adhered to the card as any part of this offer, it is anticipated that the U.S. Government may produce decals to be adhered to at a later date and separate from this award. DoS reserves the right to modify artwork over the life of the contract and will work with Offeror to do so.

Security features will be evaluated by forensic laboratory examination and independent reprographic facility adversarial reproduction attempt. If laboratory cannot endorse or recommend feature or reproduction attempt results in facsimile indistinguishable from original submission, the feature will be considered unacceptable

2.4.1.3 Card Stock Tests Results

The Offeror shall provide test results, showing that offered card stock has successfully passed tests, and testing sources for the following tests per ISO 10373:

· Dynamic flexural testing

· Dynamic torsion testing

· Plasticizer exposure

· Abrasion

· Impact resistance

· Surface distortion

If designed for heat transfer, cross hatch tape delaminating test results shall be required.

For example, the Offeror shall provide test results of exposing the card stock to concentrated sunlight.

Card stock products shall provide protection against e-beams used in United States Postal Service (USPS) current/planned mail irradiation methods.

The Offeror shall provide test results that indicate what happens when an attempt is made to dismantle, attack or remove the embedded ICC from the completed Passport Card.

2.4.1.4 Card Stock Pre-Printing

The preprinting shall not rub off or fade during the life of the Passport Card, nor shall the printing process deposit debris on the personalization printer. Pre-printed card stock pattern and features, offered security features, and the offered personalization process shall not interfere with the ICC and related card components, nor shall it obstruct access to machine-readable information. The Offeror shall print a unique card identifier on each card, matching it to that electronically written per Section 3.4.1.5

2.4.1.5 Embedded Machine-Readable Technology

To meet the functional working requirement of the Passport Card within DHS’s operational process at the land borders, the card stock shall have embedded ISO/IEC 18000 6C compliant RF capability.

The card stock shall meet the following requirements:

· The card shall comply with ISO/IEC 18000-6:2004/Amd 1:2006 (Type C)

· The ICC shall be EPCglobal Class -1 Generation -2 UHF RFID certified

· The card shall comply with EPCglobal Class-1 Generation-2 UHF RFID standards

· The card ICC data structure shall include only the GIAI-96 Data Schema described in Section J, Attachment C

· The card integrated contactless circuit (ICC) shall store a unique identifier, supplied by DoS, which will be used as a pointer to a database record, and no further cardholder associated data (Referred to as the EPC number in the GEN 2 specification and the Unique Item Identifier in the ISO 18000 6C specification)

· The cards shall meet or surpass ISO/IEC 18000 6C performance criteria in a laboratory setting

The chip shall be locked by the Offeror, prior to delivery to DoS, and shall prevent any writing or erasing of data once the chip has been locked.

The Offeror shall provide a list (manufacturer and model number) of all GEN 2 and/or ISO 18000 6C certified readers known to interface properly and effectively with the offered embedded RFID capability.

Preference will be given to solutions that are interoperable with 18000 6C readers, which are GEN 2 certified, from multiple vendors.

2.4.2 Privacy Features

Privacy of citizens is a primary concern of DoS and DHS. DoS invites Offerors to propose a privacy solution that will meet these needs. Preference shall be given to those Offerors that propose an activation feature. Examples of privacy solutions include:

· Activation Feature: A built-in card RF capability that is only activated with a cardholder real-time action, such as exerting pressure on an area of the card, while being used at a border crossing. Capability must be compatible with artwork provided and allow all other requirements to be met. The cardholder action must not require more than one minute’s instruction to learn, nor create any hazard while in use.

· Card sleeves that shall be of a material that will enclose the card stock so that the finished card is enclosed from 360 degrees line of sight, and comes out only with manual effort of the holder. The sleeve will have RF reading single layer shielding effectiveness of at least 20 dB, compared to unshielded card RF reading at frequency designated in Section 3.4.1.5. Sleeves shall not affect the function of a removed card after repeated insertions and removals over the life of the Passport Card. DoS reserves the right to print on the card sleeve or direct the vendor to do so.

As traveler safety is also of paramount importance, proposed privacy features must also contemplate traveler safety, particularly while operating a motor vehicle.

2.4.3 Personalization Printers

Proposed printers shall be compatible for integration into the DoS personalization system as presented in the DoS Concept of Operations as described in Section J, Attachment A.

The Offeror shall provide a scaled printing solution that can be described in the following categories:

High volume card personalization capability that can reside at a Passport Center or other printing facility that can accommodate larger equipment for large batch production

Low-Mid Volume card personalization capability that can reside at the various Passport Agencies and be utilized within typical office cubicle boundaries to support expedited/emergency issuance of Passport Cards to walk-in or nearby customers for same-day service

Card personalization shall be as consistent as possible across these two platforms, leaving no discernable difference to the naked eye. The card stock shall be interchangeable between the printers. All desired features described in this section shall also be available on either high or low/mid volume platforms.

2.4.3.1 Personalization Data

The printer offerings shall utilize laser engraving for personalization of the data described in section 3.4.1. The laser engraving process shall therefore be required on both the front and rear of the card for personalization.

2.4.3.2 Interface

The DoS Travel Document Issuance System (TDIS) will be utilized for personalization services. For compatibility with the existing DoS environment, the following shall be required:

· USB 2.0 interface to host workstation

· Printer Driver for MS Windows 2003 or XP Operating Systems and Server

· Printer SDK capable of communicating with Printer Driver and optional RFID component

· RFID Reader Driver for MS Windows 2003 or XP Operating Systems

· Reader SDK for stand-alone ISO 18000-6C reader

· SDKs must include MS .NET project samples, preferably in C# for both Printing and RFID component communications

2.4.3.3 Environment

The DoS operating environment demands that the Printer housings shall be secure, and that unauthorized personnel shall not have access to Printer internals or card stock loaded within the Printers.

Offeror shall describe details of on-board printer physical security as well as any digital security measures that can be utilized with the Printer SDK (such as sensor and alert mechanism on Printer doors, Input/Output hoppers, or an alert that Cards have been printed off-hours). Offerors shall provide printer supply and card inventory management system options.

Offeror shall detail specifications for card cleanliness expected for optimum Print personalization results. DoS environment is a typical office environment and should have no negative effect on print success rate as currently configured. If that environment requires any special printer cleaning/maintenance, Offeror shall describe such procedures and recommended application intervals.

The Offeror shall adhere to the following environmental details:

High Volume Card Personalization Capability

· Size of Equipment: No larger than 5ft H x 10ft L x 4ft D, assembled Weight of 1400 lbs or less

· Power Requirements: 110v or 220v acceptable for Centralized, Offeror must specify

· Printer Card Hopper Input/Output Size: Meets or exceeds 1,000 cards for both input and output hoppers

· Throughput: Meets or exceeds 500 Cards per hour

· Maneuverability: Self-contained platform must include wheelbase for maneuvering

· Ventilation: Offer must supply requirements for ventilation space

Low to Mid Volume Card Personalization Capability

· Size of Equipment: No larger than 3ft H x 3ft L x 3ft D, assembled Weight of 200 lbs or less

· Power Requirements: 110v

· Printer Card Hopper Input/Output Size: Meets or exceeds 100 cards for both input and output hoppers

· Throughput: Meets or exceeds 50 Cards per hour

· Maneuverability: Option for a wheeled cart/platform to house printer for mobility

· Ventilation: Offer must supply requirements for ventilation space

2.4.3.4 Features

The Passport Card will include both pre-printed, at card manufacturer, and personalization features. The pre-printed features shall not negatively impact card personalization. Offeror shall ensure compatibility between printers and pre-printed features detailed in Section J, Attachment C. Personalization capability shall meet or exceed 300dpi but also be adjustable via the SDK.

Optionally, Offeror may submit method for in-line verification of RFID feature post-personalization within the printer body.

Other features may be considered for Personalization Printing including:

· Variable micro printing

· Graphics or other photo printing (other than Applicant standard photo)

· Tactile features with varying height or other distinguishable characteristics within elements (other than embossing)

· Other alternatives supplied by Offeror will be considered

2.4.3.5 Maintenance

Offeror shall submit typical maintenance plan for both high volume and low/mid volume printing equipment and associated equipment. This plan shall include routine maintenance required on the printers, as well as long-term care and a statement of life expectancy for each equipment model submitted.

This information shall also include:

· Life expectancy of laser module, and cost to replace

· Description of, maintenance requirements, and life expectancy, and cost of replacement of laser module and other major components of both high volume and low volume personalization printers (CLIN 00020a, CLIN 00020b, CLIN 00021a, CLIN00021b)

· Complete list of personalization printer components requiring routine or periodic replacement and expected replacement frequency and cost.

· Hourly support rates and response times of Offeror engineers for any non-warranty work (CLIN 00018)

· Training information and appropriate documents for DoS staff to perform maintenance and Firmware/SDK upgrades in the field (CLIN00017)

2.4.4 Production QA (Quality Assurance) Reader(s)

The proposed readers shall be compatible with the DoS TDIS personalization system as presented in the DoS Concept of Operations as described in Section J, Attachment A.

2.4.5 Operations and Maintenance Services

The Offeror shall describe the following items:

· Installation Plan & Services

· Maintenance Plan & Services

· Inventory Control Plan & System

· Training Plan & Services

· Availability/Continuity of Supply Plan

2.4.6 Card Delivery System

Offeror shall submit an option for a “Card Delivery System”. The purpose of this system is to package the Passport Cards along with a printed template and protective sleeve, if applicable, into a mailing envelope that shall provide verification information for the customer. The delivery system should be an inline option on the high-volume print capability. The delivery system shall not impede the throughput of the printing components.

The following features of the Centralized “Delivery System” shall be met by the Offeror:

· Accept input of printed cards directly from printer in automated fashion

· Integrate to a document printer for customized insert capability

· Support Microsoft Word customization template interface

· Ability to insert the protective sleeve, if applicable, proposed for the Passport Card into an envelope along with the Passport Card and documentation

· The ability for the card to be affixed to a form or properly secured within an envelope

· Must affix or secure multiple cards per one form and envelope

· Support and affix or print mail labeling onto envelope

Optionally can support postage rating and application to envelope

3 Inspection and Acceptance

Responsibility of Inspection

Unless otherwise specified in the contract, the Offeror shall be responsible for the performance of all analysis, inspection, demonstration and test requirements specified within this document. DoS reserves the right to witness and/or perform any of the verifications set forth in this specification where such verification are deemed necessary to ensure that supplies and services conform to prescribed requirements.

Each requirement of the specification shall be verified by inspection analyses, and/or demonstration. Inspection is a method of verification involving examination of an item and comparison of pertinent characteristics against a predetermined qualitative or quantitative standard. Inspection may require moving or partially disassembling the item to accomplish the verification.

4 Deliveries and Performance

4.1 Delivery Preparations to DoS or Authorized Agent

General: Preservation and packaging shall afford adequate protection against deterioration and physical damage during shipment, handling, and storage. Marking, shipment, and storage shall also be IAW commercial practices. Cards shall be packaged to keep them free of contamination, e.g., by dirt, dust, debris and fingerprints, until the Government user opens the package. The manufacturer shall inventory and ship cards to TBD designated locations. Specific locations will be provided upon contract award. Cards will be stored and shipped in a manner that will ensure secure delivery and accountability of cards per package and total cards per shipment manner. Manifesting logs and audit ability shall be provided.

Packaging: Cards shall be packed such that the manufacturer lot number and ICC serial numbers are visible on the package unit. Several units may be included per shipment. Each package of Cards shipped shall be placed in tamper evident packaging. Each shipment of cards shall have a packing list detailing the ICC serial numbers included in the package.

Marking: Marking on shipment packages shall clearly show name and address of the receiving organization, along with appropriate invoice numbers and indication of contents, as specified by this contract. The inside of the package shall be clearly marked with quantities, manufacturer warranty information, and other information of contents, as specified by this contract.

Electronic Inventory Management Data File: The Offeror shall provide an electronic data file that contains the information required by DoS to manage and maintain cardstock inventory and version control, such as serial numbers, manufacturer, lot number and other relevant information. Specific details of data file contents will be determined upon contract award.

Transportation: The Offeror shall ship all Card products using bonded shippers, in accordance with practices for security products as approved by DoS Bureau of Diplomatic Security, to locations specified by DoS.

4.2 Deliverable Warranties

At a minimum, the Offeror shall warrant supplies provided under this contract, to include but not limited to, card stock, chips, printers, readers, and related equipment, in accordance with industry best practices. Furthermore, the Offeror shall provide the Government with the option of an extended, 10-year warranty for card stock and chip. These warranties shall in no way impair or diminish the rights of the Government under any other clause of this contract.

Offeror shall produce a card with embedded RFID capability that will remain fully functional after passing through the production and personalization process. “Fully functional” means that the ICC fully communicates and operates in a normal working environment based on the requirements within this document. If any RFID capability throughout the process fails, then that card with the embedded RFID failure shall be replaced at the Offeror’s expense. The Offerors will not be responsible for replacing card stock damaged due to Government equipment malfunctions or operator errors.

Card stock and media shall operate for the warranty period without physical and mechanical failures (examples: delaminating, cracking, discoloration), as well as maintain full media performance of the chip. Defective products shall be replaced or refunded as requested by the Government at the Offeror’s expense.

4.3 Warranty Notification

In accordance with FAR 46.706(b)(5), the Offeror shall stamp or mark the supplies delivered, or otherwise furnish notice with the supplies, of the existence of a warranty, if any. Sufficient information shall be presented for supply personnel and users to identify warranted supplies. Warranty information shall include the terms and duration of the warranty and the name and telephone number of the Contracting Officer to be notified if the supplies are found to be defective.

5 Contract Administration Data

5.1 Period of Performance

The period of performance for contract for the base period is one year from date of award. There will be up to four Option Years that the Government may exercise at its discretion.

6 Draft Section J. List of Documents, Exhibits, and Other Attachments

6.1 Attachment A: Notional DoS Concept of Operations

Background

In response to the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative requiring Passports at United States land border crossings, the Department of State (DoS) will start issuing Passport Cards in CY 2007. The Passport Card will provide proof of citizenship and identity for U.S. citizens at Mexican and Canadian land border crossings and provide interoperability with the DHS automated border-crossing identification system including programs such as NEXUS, SENTRI, and FAST.

To support the Passport Card issuance requirements, DoS must deploy a card issuance capability. DoS plans to support two types of card issuance: 1) centralized for most mailed-in applications, and 2) localized production at Passport Agencies to support regional volume, expedite and walk-in traffic issuance requests.

Passport Card Description

The Passport Card will be credit card sized, compatible with ISO 7810 ID-1 specifications and compliant with ICAO 9303 Part 3 recommendations for Travel Cards.

Complete Passport Card specifications and graphical concept representations are in Section J, Attachment C.

Issuing Passport Cards

The US Passport application form has been redesigned to allow citizens to apply for a book, passport card or both using a single passport application form. Citizens will apply for Passport Cards using the same application form currently used for traditional Passport books.

Application Processing

Passport Card applications will be processed as Passport applications are now. The major processing steps being: Image Capture, Image Review, Data Entry, Name check and Adjudication. Card application records will be kept as Passport application records are, but with an additional step: an electronic abstract of a citizen’s Passport Card record, linked with the card unique identifier, will be sent to DHS for use at land border crossings for authentication and verification.

A high-level workflow model is portrayed in Figure A.1. Passport Card applications can be either submitted directly to a Passport Agency, mailed in or through an Acceptance Facility. Applications submitted to an Agency are adjudicated at the Agency then the Passport Card is produced and issued to the applicant. Applications submitted through an Acceptance Facility are sent to a pre-processing facility where they are screened for completeness, partially digitized, cataloged, packaged and sent to a National Center (or Passport Agency) to be adjudicated and processed.

Figure A-1 - Passport Card Production Workflow Model

When a batch of applications arrives at a Passport Center, the digitized applications are entered into the Travel Document Issuance System (TDIS) and the applications packages are assigned to an adjudicator for processing. TDIS assists the adjudicator in processing the applications; it records each transaction and it prepares the final approved record that is sent to a print queue for Passport Card personalization.

Passport Card Personalization

Printing the Passport Card (Passport Card production) will be a new process to accommodate the physical characteristics of the card. Most Passport Cards will be personalized centrally at the new DoS Print Center. Several Regional Passport Agencies will have limited decentralized Passport Card personalization capability.

Personalization Process

Passport Card applications approved during adjudication at Regional Passport Agencies and National Passport Centers will be grouped into identifiable batches and put into a TDIS print queue for local personalization or into a TDIS-generated print record to be sent electronically over a secure network connection to the Book Print Center (BPC). The operations staff at BPC will schedule “Passport Card Batch” card issuance. Batches will be released to the Issuance System for card issuance. The card issuance process will include:

· Passport Card personalization

· Delivery envelope printing

· Passport Card and delivery package coupling

· Physical assembly of “Batches” for distribution to a Quality Assurance Station

Regional Passport Agency Issuance Facilities

Select Regional Passport Agencies that serve border communities will have a Passport Card personalization capability on site. The personalization process will be patterned after the Passport Book print process. The Passport Card Personalization Station will consist of a TDIS workstation and a low volume card printer/reader. Approved Passport Card Applications will be sent to the personalization queue that is accessible to a Passport Specialist at the Print Station. The Passport Specialist will select a Passport Card Application from the personalization queue and execute the personalization process. Blank card stock will be pre-positioned in the card printer’s hopper. When the Passport Specialist executes the personalization command, the Card Feeder will place a blank card in the print mechanism; the RFID serial number will be read and recorded with the application record; and, the Passport Card will be “personalized”. The Passport Specialist will bundle the personalized Passport Card with supporting documents and postage material.

Book Print Center (BPC)

The BPC will be available to provide “personalization services” to all Regional Passport Agencies and National Passport Centers. The process will be patterned after the Centralized Passport Book Print process. The BPC will have a fully redundant high-volume Issuance System. The system will consist of at least two high volume Card Printers and Card Delivery Units. Each Card Printer and Card Delivery Unit will be individually operated by a Passport Specialist. Approved Passport Card Applications will be grouped into “Batches” and scheduled for production.

Upon receipt of a Work-Order, the Passport Specialist will set-up the Issuance System to personalize the Batch. Blank card stock will be pre-positioned in the card feeder. When the Passport Specialist executes the personalization command, the card feeder will automatically place a card in the print mechanism and initiate the following process that will be repeated until each application in the Batch is processed:

· The RFID tag will be activated to ensure that it is functional

· Retrieve application record

· Personalize the Passport Card using the application data record

· Read the RFID serial number and write the serial number to the application data record

Upon completion of a Batch production run the Passport Specialist will take a random sample to physically inspect for card quality. When the inspection is completed, the Batch will be forwarded to the Delivery System to couple Passport Cards with delivery documentation. The Passport Card Specialist will start the process by loading the Passport Card Batch into the Delivery System Card Feeder. Once the feeder has been loaded the Passport Specialist will manually match the Batch demographic file with Passport Card Batch. Once the demographic file and card batch has been synchronized the Passport Specialist will start the delivery documentation process. The Delivery System will print the delivery document and attach the Passport Card to the documentation. When the batch has been completed, the Passport Specialist will check the run to ensure that the Passport Cards and the Delivery Documentation match.

Alternatively, the Card Delivery mechanism may fall in-line with Card Personalization making one process that takes in card stock and performs validation, personalization, QC, packaging and delivery features. A requirement for multiple Passport Cards in one delivery envelope is likely.

Passport Card Inventory Control

DoS utilizes a highly secure physical and workflow environment for Passport book personalization. This includes a secure vault for storing Passport books and printing consumables/supplies. It also includes a secure printing room with limited physical access, and limited logical access to printing workstations, where authorized staff may request, check out, utilize, and check back in book inventory. The TDIS systems tracks this inventory in real-time against each employee and the Passport Agency will not allow any personalization staff to leave without a clean report of their book assignments. The control over blank passport card stock and issued passport cards will follow the same internal controls scenario as for passport books.

Passport Card Quality Control

High Volume Personalization Capability (Centralized):

The Offeror may submit an automated QC function that performs the following in-line with the printing and packaging process:

· Make available following data via Printer SDK, to enable TDIS verification for QC:

· Read and provide MRZ data

· Read and provide RFID serial number

· Verify that the information on the distribution package matches the information on the Passport Card (part of the Card Delivery verification system – match Card to TDIS record prior to printing/affixing mailing label)

· Secure the Passport Card and mailing envelope for mailing

Low to Mid Volume Personalization Capability (Decentralized):

The Quality Assurance Station will be equipped with a TDIS Workstation, an OCR Reader and an RFID Reader. Upon receipt of the bundled package, the Quality Assurance Specialist will:

· Read the MRZ and call up the applicant’s TDIS record

· Read the RFID serial number and write the number to the applicants TDIS record

· Match the personal information on the Passport Card to the TDIS record

· Verify that the information on the distribution package matches the information on the Passport Card

· Secure the Passport Card and mailing envelop for mailing

Expected Passport Card Demand A recent survey commissioned by CA/PPT reports that the number of new Passport Card applications from those citizens who frequently cross U.S. land borders can be expected to be 4.5 to 6.5 million during the first two years of issuance. After the initial surge new Passport Card applications can be expected to level off to perhaps 1-to-2 million new applications in the fifth year and beyond. In the year replacement Passport Cards will start to be issued a steady-state level of 2-to-4 million Passport Cards produced per year can be expected.

Facilities The physical requirements for Passport Card printing devices can be found in Section 3.4.3 of the “Passport Card Stock and Printer Supply Procurement Request for Proposal”.

The Decentralized local Passport Agency environments are comprised of typical office space environments with secured Print Rooms for Passport Book personalization. It is expected that those rooms – or a similar addition to each Agency supporting Passport Card production would be modified to accept the Passport Card equipment and supplies. Each Passport Agency has technicians dedicated to deployed hardware and would likely be trained to accommodate Passport Card printing as well. In most or all cases, the Agency will have more than one Passport Card printer for redundancy in case of service or outage.

The BPC, originally designed to manage many passport printer devices, will be expanded to accommodate larger high-volume Passport Card personalization equipment. Due to the high-volume requirements and complexity of these systems, it is expected that options for dedicated on-site support be available from the Offeror to support continuous operations.

Staff and shift requirements will be adjusted to handle higher initial Passport Card volume expectations – and be scaled back accordingly as volume settles to a longer-term sustained level. This will reduce the risk of over-deploying personalization equipment and physical resources up front – and also narrow the support focus for the Offeror to a relatively low number of sites and equipment.

6.2 Attachment B: Notional DHS Concept of Operations

Goal

The goal is to comply with WHTI by issuing a new travel document that U.S. Citizens can use for expeditious cross border travel between the U.S., Canada and Mexico. The new document, called a Passport Card will be issued by DOS and be automatically processed at land border Ports of Entry (POEs). The automated processing will facilitate travel by reducing processing time for legitimate carriers of the card.

Passport Cards enabled with RFID provide automated capabilities for Customs and Border Protection (CBP) to determine the citizenship and admissibility of travelers applying for admission into the United States.

As the traveler bearing an RFID enabled Passport Card enters the United States (U.S.), an arrival record is automatically created. Upon entry, CBP Officers (“Officer”) will be able to visually verify the identity of each traveler and to review the results of automated watch list queries that are associated with each of the traveler’s RFID and the vehicle license plate, if applicable.

One of the challenges facing the Officer at land border POEs is the volume of travelers seeking to enter the U.S. More than 85 percent of all entries to the U.S. occur at land border POEs. There are several individual land border POEs where the number of persons processed annually exceeds the total for all sea and air POEs combined.

There is a marked difference between an inspection conducted at an air or sea POE and the inspection conducted at a land border POE. Because of their varied statuses, divergent points of origin, unfamiliarity with requirements and regulations, and the greater potential risk to the U.S., most applicants for admission at seaports and airports receive a comprehensive inspection that includes pre-screening via advance information available through the carriers. In contrast, the great majority of persons arriving at land border POEs are residents of the border area who cross frequently and are familiar with requirements concerning their entry into the U.S. and receive an inspection that includes more limited data systems checks due to the considerations of traffic flow and the lack of advance information (except for those enrolled in trusted traveler programs). RFID enabled Passport Cards is aimed to provide advance information for those travelers in vehicles. Border traffic includes U.S. citizens and permanent residents who leave and reenter the U.S. multiple times daily, visa-exempt aliens who make multiple entries throughout the course of a year, and aliens who hold non-immigrant visas or border crossing cards and commute back and forth daily or weekly from Canada or Mexico.

Travelers can enter land border POEs on foot, by car, bus, truck, or other forms of transportation (e.g., snowmobile and rail). Vehicle lanes are usually segregated for the different transportation modes (e.g., for pre-screened travelers enrolled in trusted traveler programs, vehicles, buses, and/or truck/cargo).

Vehicle Entry

The entry process takes place at designated entry points, specifically at inspection booths located at land border POE vehicle or pedestrian lanes or during secondary inspection. Inspections are composed of both primary and secondary inspections.

Primary inspections are required of all commercial, vehicular, and pedestrian traffic; secondary inspections are more detailed and are performed upon referral.

At vehicle Primary, vehicle license plate information is captured, recorded, and queried using the Treasury Enforcement Communication System (TECS). License Plate Readers (LPRs) are installed at the majority of the land border POEs and designed to automatically capture and transmit license plate data to TECS.